The Denver Outlaws (9-4) head to James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, NY to face the New York Lizards (8-5) on August 9. This game has major implications on who will get home-field advantage for the first round of the play-offs, and there are multiple scenarios involved which will decide if the Outlaws will play at home at Sports Authority Field at Mile High or if the Lizards will play on their home turf. This is the first year in the history of the MLL where the play-offs will be held the weekend before the MLL Championship game, and the race for home-field advantage is evident. The last time the two teams met on June 14, the Outlaws defeated the Lizards by the score of 16-11. So who will come out victorious this time?
Denver has some major talent on their squad. John Grant Jr., just broke the MLL all-time career goals record last weekend against Chesapeake (280); Eric Law has an excellent dodge move, is consistent, and fast; Chris Bocklet is a great finisher; and Jeremy Sieverts leads the league in two-point goals. Jesse Schwartzman is extremely strong in net (.562 SV%); and the close defense of Chris O’Dougherty, Lee Zink and Michael Simon to name a few are tough to beat. The attack-lines for the Outlaws are meshing well as a group and things seem to be falling into place for the Outlaws.
The Lizards also have some great talent. You’ve got Rob Pannell, Tommy Palasek, Jo-Jo Marasco, and Ned Crotty who are leading the team in points; Greg Gurenlian is one of the strongest FOGO’s in the league (.605 FOWPCT); and Drew Adams has been strong in goal (.514 SV%).
Between the two teams you’ve got six of the Top 20 in Scoring Leaders. Here’s a look:
Denver Outlaws—John Grant, Jr. T-3rd (27 G, 24 A); Eric Law 6th (33 G, 15 A); Jeremy Sieverts T-7th (22 G, 7 two-pt goals, 17 A); Drew Snider 19th (24 G, 5 A)
New York Lizards—Rob Pannell T-3rd (31 G, 20 A); Tommy Palasek T-20th (26 G, 2 A)
Team Stats thru Week 13
Denver Outlaws—Record 9-4 (Home 6-1 Away 3-3), 177 GF, eight 2ptGF, six 2ptGA, 339 GB, 536 shots, .330 SPCT, 344 SOG, .642 SOGPCT, 187-387 FOW, .463 FOPCT
New York Lizards—Record 8-5 (Home 5-1 Away 3-4), 165 GF, six 2ptGF, seven 2ptGA, 387 GB, 571 shots, .289 SPCT, 353 SOG, .618 SOGPCT, 214-367 FOW, .583 FOPCT
Special Teams Stats thru Week 13
Denver Outlaws—11 PPGF, 33 PPAdv, 33.33 PPPCT, zero SHGA; Penalty Killing 14 PPGA, 37 TSH, 62.16 PKPCT, zero SHGF
New York Lizards—13 PPGF, 46 PPAdv, 28.26 PPPCT, zero SHGA; Penalty Killing 6 PPGA, 34 TSH, 82.35 PKPCT, 1 SHGF
One of the key factors in this game will be face-offs. The Outlaws will be without Anthony Kelly who is suffering from a slight Achilles tear. After speaking with Jon Cohen Assistant Head-Coach this week, Kelly is doing well with his PT and they are fortunate enough to have already clinched a play-off spot so that he has an additional week for his rehab. Anthony was extremely disappointed that he is unable to play this weekend against the Lizards, but looking forward to coming back in the play-offs. So, this week the Outlaws looked at FOGO’s through the player’s pool and signed Jeff Froccaro from Princeton and he’ll be in uniform this Saturday. They’ve also got rookie FOGO Brent Hiken, Midfielder Justin Pennington, and Defenseman Dillon Roy who can take the face-offs.
As always, the key to winning will be the face-offs. If Denver can settle in with their face-off position, and they will have to going up against Gurenlian, the Outlaws will walk away with the win. If they don’t all they need to do is not allow the Lizards to win by more than four goals. If that happens, Outlaws fans will get their first home play-off game in team history.
This game is going to be one of the best of the season and fans from across the league will not want to miss the action.
